The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-11-12
ON THE GALLONS.
The Melodramatic Manner in Which
the Four Met Their Death.

The Melodramatic Manner in Which
the Four Met Their Death
CHICAGO, Nov. lit lacked Just seven
minutes and a-half of the hour of high
noon, when single white-shrouded figure,
above which was face of yellowish pallor-
the face of August Spies-passed the first
post of the gallows. The gaping crowd, ten
feet below half rose seinvoluntariy from their
chairs at the first glimpse of the appaiition,
advancing across the scaffiold. Spies looked
calm and glanced at the reporters with
trace of his old-time cynical smile He
walked firmly over the drop, guided by the
grasp of a deputy, to the farthest edge of
the gallows.
Following close came Fischer, close enough
to touch Spies shroud had his hands
not been pinioned under white mus
lin. Fischer's countenance had a peculiar
glisten totally unlike the ashiness of Engel's
heavy features, and in strange contrast
with the d. ad lack of color in the pinched
hneaments Of Parsons
PARSONS PLAYS A PART.
The once jaunty, vivacious Texan came
last, a withered old man. He had aged
20 years since the day, scarce twelve months
before, when he tripped lightly into court
before Judge Gary, and fippant-
ly declared that he was ready
to be tried at once for his life
The moment his feet touched the scaffold
Parsons seemed to lose his identity and to
feel that his spirit was no longer part of his
body. He had wrought himself up to an
ecstasy OF solemn Standardization. Only
he, tire one American, seemed to realize 10
the full that he must die in a manner 10
impress if possible on all future generations
the thought that lie was martyr. 40
tragcdian that has faced the stage in
America ever made more marvellous pre-
sentatOn of a self-chosen part, perfect
in every detail The upward turn of his
eyes, his distant, far-away look, and above
all the attitude of apparent complete resig-
nation that every fold Of the awkward
shroud only served to make more distinct.
wos by far the most striking feature of the
entire gelows picture. The squat form of
Engel alongside. with stupid, wide awed
face, made hideous contrast to Parsons
assumption OF the halo of a martyr.
Fischer was head and shoulders taller
than the other three, making his occasional
looks of too evident bravado more notice
able than they might otherwise have been,
and at a sorry disadvantage compared with
the steady coolness of Spies. The latter's
exhibition Of quiet, thorough nerve far
surpassed as a wonder the demeanor Of any
of his comrades.
ADJUSTING THE NoosEs.
The four burly deputies standing in the
rear of the four condemned men, began
without delay to adjust the ropes, Spies
moose being the one first placed. He did not
appear to regard it Of any more
consequence than a new linen collar. Tie
knot was slipped down the cord close against
his neck. Spies did not show tremor, but
when the same process was being carried ON
with Fischer he turned and quietly whs-
pered to the bailitf TO make a suggestion
concerning the rope. Fischer's occasional
ardor was quite noticeably less when he
felt the hempen strand, and Engel bit his
under lip hard when his turn came. Just
then DR.. Murphy, young physician, stand
ing back Of Engel whispered joke at
Engels ear. Incredible as it may
seem, the low-browed Anarchist laughed
outright with the rope around his
neck, and while another was be-
ing fastened on Parsons by his side. But the